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02/01/2025
New XL Bully Dog Ownership Rules Now In Force
New rules making it illegal to own an XL Bully dog in Northern Ireland without an Exemption Certificate came into force on Wednesday, 01 January.
Anyone who owns an XL Bully dog without an exemption is breaking the law and faces prosecution and a criminal record.
Their dog will also be seized, and a court will determine if an exemption can be granted.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the level of risk associated with XL Bully type dogs is well known and that the new measures are designed to safeguard public safety, livestock, and other animals.
This follows the introduction of legal safeguarding measures earlier this year.
Minister Muir said: "I know the majority of dog owners are responsible and have taken the necessary steps to comply with the new laws. Unfortunately, if owners have not acted to exempt their XL Bully dog they are now in breach of the legal requirements and will face enforcement action. My Department will continue to support councils to make sure the safeguards are effectively enforced."
XL Bully owners are reminded that they must abide by the conditions of exemption for their exemption certificate to remain valid. If your XL Bully dog is not neutered you must arrange for your dog to be neutered, and evidence provided to your local council by 30 June 2025.
These rules follow on from the implementation of legal safeguards which took effect from 5 July and now by law requires owners of XL Bully type dogs to ensure their dog is muzzled and, on a lead, when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging, or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.
More information can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs.
Anyone who owns an XL Bully dog without an exemption is breaking the law and faces prosecution and a criminal record.
Their dog will also be seized, and a court will determine if an exemption can be granted.
DAERA Minister Andrew Muir said the level of risk associated with XL Bully type dogs is well known and that the new measures are designed to safeguard public safety, livestock, and other animals.
This follows the introduction of legal safeguarding measures earlier this year.
XL Bully owners are reminded that they must abide by the conditions of exemption for their exemption certificate to remain valid. If your XL Bully dog is not neutered you must arrange for your dog to be neutered, and evidence provided to your local council by 30 June 2025.
These rules follow on from the implementation of legal safeguards which took effect from 5 July and now by law requires owners of XL Bully type dogs to ensure their dog is muzzled and, on a lead, when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging, or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.
More information can be found at www.nidirect.gov.uk/xlbullydogs.
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
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17 June 2024
New XL Bully Dog Safeguards To Be Introduced In NI
The Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that new legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully type dogs will come into force on 05 July, 2024.
New XL Bully Dog Safeguards To Be Introduced In NI
The Department for Agriculture, the Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has announced that new legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully type dogs will come into force on 05 July, 2024.
23 July 2024
DAERA Announces Next Steps For XL Bully Owners
The owners of XL Bully type dogs have been reminded that the exemption scheme will open on 09 August, 2024. From that date, all XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dog will have to apply and pay for an Exemption Certificate by 31 December 2024.
DAERA Announces Next Steps For XL Bully Owners
The owners of XL Bully type dogs have been reminded that the exemption scheme will open on 09 August, 2024. From that date, all XL Bully owners who wish to keep their dog will have to apply and pay for an Exemption Certificate by 31 December 2024.
06 March 2024
New XL Bully Safety Measures To Be Introduced
New safety measures for XL Bully breed type dogs is to be introduced in Northern Ireland, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced.
New XL Bully Safety Measures To Be Introduced
New safety measures for XL Bully breed type dogs is to be introduced in Northern Ireland, DAERA Minister Andrew Muir has announced.
05 July 2024
XL Bully Dog Legal Safeguards Come Into Force
New legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully dogs come into force across Northern Ireland today, Friday 05 July. Whilst it remains legal to own an XL Bully type dog, from today, owners must ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.
XL Bully Dog Legal Safeguards Come Into Force
New legal safeguards on the ownership of XL Bully dogs come into force across Northern Ireland today, Friday 05 July. Whilst it remains legal to own an XL Bully type dog, from today, owners must ensure their dog is muzzled and on a lead when in a public place. Selling, gifting, exchanging or breeding from an XL Bully type dog is also prohibited.
03 August 2009
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
Hero Army Dog Handlers Honoured
Murdered soldiers who worked with specialist 'sniffer' dogs during the Northern Ireland Troubles have been remembered. The 'Red Paw' and its work across Northern Ireland was the subject of a special memorial service held in England at the weekend. It was in honour of the six dog handlers and two sniffer dogs killed in Northern Ireland.
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